Lesson 14: Properties of Acids and Bases

Acids

Molecules with a hydrogen attached that can be released in water, giving them acidic properties.

Bases

Substances that contain hydroxide ions (OH-) and have properties such as a bitter taste, turning red litmus paper blue, and feeling slippery.

Dissociation

The process in which ionic compounds separate into their ions when dissolved in water.

Ionization

The process in which a neutral molecule forms ions, such as when acids release hydrogen ions (H+) in water.

Strong Acids

Acids that ionize 100% in water, resulting in a higher concentration of hydrogen ions and stronger acidic properties.

Weak Acids

Acids that ionize less than 50% in water, resulting in a lower concentration of hydrogen ions and weaker acidic properties.

Properties of Strong Acids

Conduct electricity more, react more quickly with metals, have a lower pH, and are more corrosive.

Properties of Weak Acids

Conduct electricity less, react more slowly with metals, have a higher pH, and are less corrosive.

Arrhenius

The scientist who proposed the first structure related to acids and bases, suggesting that hydroxide ions (OH-) are responsible for the properties of bases and hydrogen ions (H+) are responsible for the properties of acids.